November 11, 2011 - BMW formally released the production versions of
what is now known as the C 600, a "maxi-scooter", at the 2011
EICMA show. The C 600 was first
introduced at the 2010 EICMA show as the BMW
Concept C (report).

Last year's prototype was a bit rough around the edges, but the
production versions look clean and smart and ready to go. The C 600 will
be available as the BMW C 600 Sport and the BMW C 650 GT versions. The
Sport is, well, sportier and the GT is the touring version.

This is a huge step for BMW, opening up a completely new market. While
it is unclear what effect the C 600 will have on the opinions and use of
scooters in the U.S.A., scooters are extremely popular in Europe, due to high fuel
prices (gas costs about the equivalent of $9.00 per gallon here in Italy)
and crowded streets and parking difficulties.

I wasn't sure what to make of it in 2010 and, quite frankly, I never
thought it would reach production. And I still wasn't sure about it this
year. But after going back to the BMW display early in the morning on
two occasions, where I had time to study it in the absence of crowds, it
appears that the C 600 is not just another scooter. In an EICMA show
chock-full of scooters of every shape and form, from electrics to 800 cc
maxi-scooters and from across the glove, the C 600 is...a BMW.

After considering it, listening to BMW staff and reading the massive
amounts of information provided about this vehicle, I think it will
indeed change the course of scooterdom in the U.S.A. It has touring
potential and, from watching the videos shown by BMW, it handles like a
motorcycle. It should work just as well in downtown D.C. as it will out
on the interstate in Wyoming.

BMW motorcycle traditionalists are probably shaking their heads in
amazement -- as was I -- but, from everything I've seen so far, this is
"the BMW of scooters" and, frankly, calling it a "scooter" is probably a
disservice. It's handsome, modern looking and it probably has more
and better weather protection and storage than just about any bike other than
perhaps the
big K 1600 GT (report) tourer, yet it's
probably less than half the size of that bike.

By the way, pricing has not been set as of the date of publication
and it's not clear when European and/or U.S. deliveries will commence.
I'll report on that as soon as I learn more.

EICMA 2011 Introduction

BMW handed out a huge press release for the C 600. I had to edit and
re-edit, because it is probably one of the largest BMW press releases I have
ever received, with many details of the new scooter. Hendrik von Kuenheim, the General Director of BMW Motorrad, spoke at
the 2011 EICMA show to introduce the new BMW and Husqvarna motorcycles
for 2012 and he gave a good summary of the strategy for this product.

I've edited his remarks to include only the part relevant to the C
600. After the slide show below, I have included an edited version of
the BMW press release on the C 600, which includes the details and
specifications:

Today is a very special day for us - I might even say, it is an
historical day. At the most important motorcycle and scooter fair, BMW
is celebrating the world premiere of the first maxi-scooters in the
history of the BMW Group.

With these two outstanding premium vehicles, we are once again
entering a segment new to BMW: we are expanding our existing range of
motorcycles to include the facet of "Urban Mobility". The Motorcycle
Division of the BMW Group is investing heavily in the future of BMW
Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles, penetrating new segments and moving
into new markets.

In a time in which the motorcycle markets are in a state of ongoing
crisis, we are facing up to the challenges. Our aim is to continue to
grow strongly and profitably within a difficult environment. As you all
know, times for the motorcycle industry are extremely tough. However,
the development of BMW Motorrad is running completely counter to that of
the market.

Now, we come to the part you have all been so keenly looking forward
to: the world premiere of the BMW maxi-scooters. I said at the beginning
of my speech that we aim to grow profitably in the future - with both
brands, BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles. To this end we are
looking at which other business areas above and beyond our existing
portfolio we might consider as potential new territory.

One such area is that of individual mobility in the constantly
growing urban areas. The requirements of mobility concepts, especially
in big cities, are subject to considerable change. Increasing traffic,
energy costs and CO2 constraints on travelling in inner city areas are
the challenges of the future.

The BMW Group has identified these challenges and is already today
putting solutions on the market to meet the needs for the future
individual mobility. As an integral part of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad
is now expanding its business activities to a new facet: that of "Urban
Mobility".

Today we will be presenting to you the first products in this area -
two premium vehicles in the maxi-scooter segment.

They are called the BMW C 600 Sport and BMW C 650 GT. Both vehicles
combine the agility and comfort of a scooter with the outstanding riding
qualities of a motorcycle. They are scooters "Made by BMW Motorrad".

It was totally clear to us, that the standards among the top players
of the established competition are very high. For this reason we focused
on four main points in developing the two BMW scooters: An attractive,
clearly identifiable BMW design. An exceptionally fine suspension. A
particularly agile drive. And the functionality and everyday suitability
which is typical of this segment.

Our high level of expertise and longstanding experience in building
supreme touring and sports motorcycles provided the perfect basis for
this project. It has meant we have been able to raise the benchmark to a
somewhat higher level within the competitive field. However, it is up to
you to decide how well we have succeeded in doing so.

But above and beyond this, some high-quality technological solutions
are to be found in the two models. They show just how much innovative
power went into their development.

The new maxi-scooters are being built at our BMW Motorrad plant in
Berlin. Serial production is in fact already underway, but our future
scooter customers will have to wait a little before it is time for the
official market launch. Delivery of the two vehicles will start early
spring 2012.

The C 600 Sport is mainly geared towards scooter riders with sporty
interests, while the C 650 GT is aimed at customers who attach greater
importance to comfort and touring orientation. Although they are clearly
distinct from one another, they are both based on the same technical
backbone, i.e. the drive and the suspension are identical.

The scooters are powered by a very efficient 650 cc 2-cylinder
in-line engine. It develops a maximum output of 60 bhp and has a
powerful torque of 66 newton metres. Its conceptual design focused
particularly on low vibration and a strikingly individual sound.

The power is transmitted to the rear wheel by means of a CVT gearbox.
The suspension of the two scooters is especially elaborate and unusual
for this segment: the front wheel control is by means of an upside down
fork; and for the first time in this class the rear wheel is controlled
by a single swingarm.

In both vehicles two integral helmets can be stored. In the case of
the C 600 Sport this is enabled by the very innovative and patented
storage concept BMW FlexCase. This are only a few highlights of the BMW
scooter technology.

I also believe it is important to mention that both maxi-scooters are
typical BMWs when it comes to safety and environment: Both vehicles have
generously sized ABS brake systems as standard. They can also be
optionally fitted with a so-called daytime running light, which enhances
ride safety in city traffic especially.

And in addition to a low level of fuel consumption, the scooters also
offer low emission levels. In fact they already fulfil the future
exhaust gas limits defined by the Euro-4 standard.

The innovative and, as I believe, distinctive and very emotional
design of these two vehicles was created by our design team under David
Robb.

The two-cylinder inline engine of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT
is an all new development by BMW Motorrad with a displacement of 647
cc. In both models, its rated power output is 44 kW (60 hp) at 7,500
rpm, and its max torque of 66 Nm is available at 6,000
rpm.

The power is transferred via a directly integrated CVT, or
continuously variable transmission. The engine owes its low position
and therefore low centre of gravity to its cylinder bank, which is
inclined to the front through 70°. The characteristic sound and low
vibration levels are the result of the 90° crank pin offset, 270°
ignition spacing, and two balancer shafts driven by spur gears.

An
electronic fuel injection system supplies the four valves under the
two overhead camshafts. Oil is supplied from a dry sump with double
oil pump, and an efficient cooling concept optimises the thermal
equilibrium in the 2-cylinder engine.

The exhaust system is made
completely of stainless steel and complies with motorcycle
specifications. Fitted with a closed loop catalytic converter and an
oxygen sensor, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT fulfil today the Euro-4
emission limits of tomorrow.

wBW
Video: BMW C 600 and C 650 GT

wBW
Video: BMW C 600 "On the Road" Press Video

Transmission

The forces inside the drive unit are transferred via a central
output from the crankshaft to an intermediate shaft with torsion damper
connected with a primary toothed chain. At the same time, this
intermediate shaft operates as the input shaft to the continuously
variable transmission (CVT) with automatic centrifugal dry clutch on the
output shaft.

The CVT is connected rigidly to the crankcase. Two gear
stages arranged directly behind the clutch provide the reduction ratio
needed for the secondary drive. The secondary drive to the rear wheel is
transferred over a roller chain with 72 links and 525 pitch. This runs
fully encapsulated in the oil bath
(750 ml SAE 90) and therefore needs very little maintenance. In this
respect, a constant chain tension.

Suspension

One objective in the development of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT was
to combine directional stability at high speeds on the motorway with
playful handling in city traffic and clear feedback to the rider -- just
like a motorcycle. Accordingly, the design of the C 600 Sport and C 650
GT suspension features a torsionally rigid hybrid interconnection of a
tubular steel bridge frame and a diecast aluminium unit at the swingarm
bearing.

In addition, the 2-cylinder inline engine functions as a
bearing element, presenting a particularly rigid construction for stable
and high precision response. The greatest possible riding stability is
also provided by the bearing for the cast light-alloy single swingarm
with coaxial centre of rotation.

Also the suspension elements fulfil
more fastidious needs for sporting character and comfort. At the front,
an upside down fork presents a generous fixed fork diameter of 40 mm.
The tail presents a reclining spring strut on the left side. The spring
travels are each 115 mm, as they also occur quite commonly on the
motorcycle sector. Also the tyre widths and cross sections of the C 600
Sport and the C 650 GT are aligned to motorcycle dimensions.

The top priority in developing the suspension for the C 600 Sport
and C 650 GT was to combine the best handling qualities and a
transparent feedback for the rider with stable directional stability at
high speeds.

With a wheelbase of 1591 mm, a steering head angle of
64.6°, and an after-run of 92 mm, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT present
key geometry features that don't need to shun comparison with
motorcycles. In the field, the overall concept behind the two maxi
scooters' suspension systems manifests itself particularly in ease of
manoeuvrability, for instance in city traffic, and in fascinating riding
stability on country roads and motorways.

The asymmetrically arranged spring strut is installed at a reclined
angle on the left side of the vehicle, and its mount can be adjusted to
diverse loading states. The spring travel is 115 mm. The damper tuning
on the C 650 GT provides a particularly high level of comfort in line
with the vehicle concept.

The front suspension is provided by an upside
down fork with a standpipe diameter of 40 mm and a spring travel also of
115 mm. The two fork bridges are forged steel parts. A welded steel
structure, the handlebar is bolted directly to the top fork bridge.

Tires

On
their front, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT roll on a 3.5 x 15" five spoke
diecast light alloy wheel fitted with a 120/70-15 tire. The rear wheel
measures 4.5 x 15" and is fitted with a 160/60-15 tire. Here too, the
maxi scooter presents a series of widths and cross sections aligned to
customary motorcycle specifications. The 15" rims safeguard the highest
riding stability with the optimal agility and handling.

The new C 600 Sport and C 650 GT are fitted with a generously sized
braking system consisting of a two-rotor disc brake at the front and a
single disc brake at the rear, each 270 mm in diameter. At the same
time, the BMW Motorrad ABS fitted as standard ensures maximum possible
safety.

BMW developed a particularly innovative solution for the mandatory
hold brake on scooters. Whereas the rider normally has to engage this
brake with a separate lever, this is engaged automatically on the C 600
Sport and C 650 GT when the side stand is extended. This is connected to
a pull cable that engages a second, mechanically actuated rear braking
calliper that prevents the vehicle from rolling away.

This measure makes sure that the vehicle is parked absolutely
safely. The range of optional equipment for the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT
also includes the tyre pressure control RDC. Here, sensors installed
inside the rims register the current air pressure and communicate this
information to the display field in the instrument cluster.

The foot boards allow the rider to place the feet for greater riding
ease and comfort. Like on a motorcycle, the passenger on the C 600 Sport
has footrests, while the C 650 GT presents foot boards in this area as
well.

Instrument Cluster and LED Daytime Running Lights

The instrument cluster of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT presents a
large, easily readable LCD display with integrated engine speed readout
and an analogue speedometer. The instrument cluster presents
considerably more functions than usual in this vehicle class. For the
first time, BMW Motorrad is also offering an LED daytime running light
as an optional equipment feature on its C 600 Sport and C 650 GT.

"Flex Case" Storage

The FlexCase for the C 600 Sport is an innovative stowage space
concept. A flap in the tail base under the seat enlarges the stowage
space on the stationary vehicle. This can be used to hold two
helmets.

Differences Between the C 600 Sport vs. C 600 GT

The sporty, dynamic scooter BMW C 600 Sport is characterised by a
seat positioned for extremely active riding. This was made possible by
the arrangement of the foot boards, seat, and handlebar in an ergonomic
triangle.

More fastidious needs for touring and long distance
capabilities, on the other hand, are fulfilled by the luxurious C 650
GT. The rider and passenger can therefore adopt a more relaxed sitting
posture that is highly appreciated especially over long stretches.

The
ergonomics designed for even greater passenger capability and comfort
can be felt in particular on a more comfortable seat with adjustable
backrest for the rider in conjunction with a higher handlebar and
comfortable floor boards in lieu of separate footrests for the
passenger.

In addition, the C 650 GT presents a larger, powered
windscreen for even better protection against wind and weather.

Ergonomics: The C 600 Sport with dynamic
seat position as a result of flatter handlebar, sporty seat design for
both one and two persons, and sporty footrests for the passenger; seat
height 810 mm. The C 650 GT with emphatically comfortable seat position as
a result of higher handlebar, more comfortable and larger seat with
adjustable backrest for the rider, and foot boards for the passenger as
well; seat height 780 mm.

Windscreen: C 600 Sport with windscreen
adjustable mechanically to three positions. C 650 GT with larger
windscreen adjustable electrically over 10 cm for even greater comfort
and protection from wind and weather.

Lighting: C 600 Sport: front
turn indicators integrated in the panelling, twin circular headlights
with two side lights on the left and right, LED rear light cluster with
single turn indicators. C 650 GT: front turn indicators integrated in
the mirrors, twin circular headlights with side lights between them
presenting a vertical light strip of three elements, LED rear light
cluster with integrated turn indicators.

Storage: C 600 Sport
with world premiere FlexCase and hence variable stowage space concept in
the tail under the seat. Despite its sporty, spartan tail section, two
helmets can be easily stowed in the parked vehicle. C 650 GT with a
large stowage space of about 60 litres in the tail for taking two
helmets and other utilities.

The electrical system in the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT is based on
the established systems fitted in the BMW Motorrad models. The
electrical system is based on a CAN bus (controller area network). This
networks the instrument cluster, the ABS and engine controller, the
electronic immobiliser, and (as optional equipment) the anti-theft alarm
system and the tyre pressure control (RDC).

The standard scope also
includes a power socket installed in the left storage compartment. For
example, this can be used to recharge a mobile phone while it is
connected via Bluetooth to the BMW Motorrad communication system in the
rider's helmet.

A strong and stable power supply under all operating
conditions is safeguarded by the alternator located on the left tail
shaft and delivering 588 Watts output. The battery has a capacity of 12 Ah and is
installed in the vehicle's front section behind the right side
panelling.

The cable harness on the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT is designed
to allow retrofits of all optional electrical equipment and all
optional accessories, such as heated grips, heated seat, alarm system,
tyre pressure control RDC, etc.

Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster on the maxi scooters presents considerably
more functions than usual in this vehicle class. It presents a large,
easily readable LCD display with integrated engine speed readout and an
analogue speedometer with a highly legible scale. The instrument cluster
also integrates all indicator lights.

The development of this instrument
cluster focused primarily on the best legibility and the elimination of
reflections on the display. The analogue speedometer and the LCD display
are illuminated in easy to read orange. This lighting is deactivated
when the daytime running light is activated.

Besides the eight bars representing the fuel level, the instrument
cluster also presents as standard useful details on the oil level,
distances travelled, and (via the onboard computer) distance covered on
the 4-litre fuel reserve, date and time, average fuel consumption and
rate, outside temperature, and service information.

LED Lights

The C 600 Sport and C 650 GT are already fitted as
standard with a rear light and LED stowage space lighting. The LED
technology is characterised in particular by high fail safety, long
service life, high luminous efficiency, and low power consumption.

The
front lighting on the C 600 Sport consists of one headlight each for low
and high beams and two side lights (or alternatively a combination of
side light and optional daytime running light).

The C 650 GT likewise
presents two headlights, but the side light and optional daytime running
light take the form of three LED light elements arranged at the centre.
Both the side lights and the stowage space lighting come with a so
called way home function, i.e. they continue their light after the
vehicle has been parked.

Whereas LED turn indicators are offered as
optional equipment ex works for the C 600 Sport, this feature is fitted
as standard on the C 650 GT. In addition, both models can make use of
the highline package (optional equipment ex works) that provides the LED
daytime running light, a rare treat today for that extra safety on the
scooter market.

Heated Grips and Heated Seat

For the first time at BMW
Motorrad, the optional accessories and optional equipment heated grips
and heated seat also feature a so called AUTO level with automatic
temperature control in addition to Levels 1 and 2.

When the rider
selects the AUTO level, the heaters for the grips and rider's seat are
regulated automatically as a function of the outside temperature and
vehicle speed. The heaters switch on automatically from an outside
temperature of +8 °C.

The heater output first starts very gradually and
rises with falling outside temperature. The max heater output on the
AUTO level is reached at -15 °C. The heater for the passenger's seat can
be activated at a separate switch by the passenger himself, when he can
select Level 1 or 2.

The touring and long distance capabilities of the C 650 GT are
also underscored by the generous stowage space consisting of a spacious
storage compartment (about 60 litres) under the seat and two smaller
compartments (locked on the left) in the front part of the leg well.

The
storage compartment with internal lighting in the tail of the C 650 GT
can also take two helmets when the vehicle is stationary. In addition,
the bulges on the left and right of the tail offer additional stowage
space for utilities. The claims to comfort made by the C 650 GT – also
for two persons – are likewise corroborated by the generously
upholstered seat with the adjustable backrest for the rider.

Although the tail section of the C 600 Sport
is essentially shorter and sportier, the BMW Motorrad developers managed
to integrate a stowage space concept that can also take two helmets on
this model as well. The so called FlexCase was designed specifically for
this purpose. This takes the form of a flap in the tail base that can be
opened to deepen the available stowage space.

This variable space is
made possible by the use of a high strength, elastic material based on
kevlar and providing a flexible, but dirt and water repellent connection
between the flap and the tail base. A world first and patented by BMW
Motorrad, this stowage space solution can take two helmets when the
vehicle is parked.

The FlexCase flap is closed when the vehicle is
moving. But it can still take one helmet. A safety switch makes sure
that the engine cannot start when the FlexCase flap is open. When the
flap is open, this appears as a warning symbol on the instrument
cluster.

On the C 600 Sport too, the stowage space under the seat is
fitted with internal lighting. On both models, additional stowage space
is available in the form of two glove compartments in the front part of
the leg well. The one on the left can be locked.

The compartments are
locked automatically when the vehicle is parked and locked. For the
transport of additional luggage, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT can be
fitted with a luggage rack (optional accessory) that also allows the
installation of a top case (likewise optional accessory).

The central lock also
opens and locks the seat, the front left glove compartment, and the fuel
filler cap. The fuel filler neck is situated for ease of access behind
the fuel filler cap under the front end of the seat in the leg well.